Equity in Architecture

 

AIA NJ is looking to explore ways to better encourage equity in New Jersey’s architecture profession.

This grows out of a resolution from the AIA National Convention in 2015, and a conversation that started long before that:

“The value proposition

Equitable practice has the potential to foster success on multiple levels—equity in the
workplace, plus socially just access to basic resources, healthier communities and resilient public space in our urban centers. The value proposition of equity at all these levels is rooted in empathy, transparency, education, collaboration, and trust.
The lack of equity in architectural practice and allied professions has made architects
prone to lose talent to other more lucrative career paths. The factors that challenge
retention include long hours, modest pay, work that is misaligned with professional goals, and lack of transparency in promotion and compensation practices.
In order to achieve equity in the built environment, the architecture workforce needs to reflect the rapidly changing demographics of those people we are charged to serve.
Architecture is also susceptible to some public misunderstanding of the value or potential of what architects can bring to the table.
In terms of social impact, design has the power to inform more equitable, resilient,
sustainable, and relevant built environments for the increasingly multicultural population of our nation.”

Rosa Sheng, AIA
Author, AIA Resolution 15-1, May 2015

 

 

In January 2017, the AIA published a report entitled  EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. AIA NJ’s 2018 President, Verity Frizzell, AIA, served on the commission that studied the subject and created the summary and priority recommendations in 2016.

“Our resolve and commitment to work toward a more diverse profession is a key value the Institute will not shy away from,” said 2017 AIA President Thomas Vonier, FAIA. “This report gives the AIA a solid framework to move closer to a more equitable and inclusive profession. In the months ahead, we look forward to implementing some of the recommendations put forth.”

You may access the report here. 

 

 

In 2017, under President Ben Lee, AIA, AIA NJ committed themselves to the following statement:

AIA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, champions a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of our profession and the world’s prosperity, health, and future.

 

 

In 2018, we invite you to be a part of the conversation, the evolution, and the solution. Please step forward and raise your hand if you wish to join the AIA NJ Equity in Architecture committee as we plan opportunities to plant the seeds for equity to grow in our community.

For more information and to get involved, please contact the 2018 Equity in Architecture Chair, Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA at staceykliesch@gmail.com.

AIA NJ Wishes for a Peaceful Thanksgiving

Photo of Clinton, New Jersey courtesy of Helaine Chardon

 

Everyone at AIA NJ is thankful for the many colleagues that volunteer on committees, as officers, as mentors and guides.

We are thankful for the sponsors and vendors that contribute to the success of our programs and events.

We are thankful for the experts that lend their knowledge and advice to help our business thrive.

We are thankful for the new members that rejuvenate our ranks and our veterans who guide us from taking missteps again.

We are thankful for the staff that work behind the scenes to carry out the policies of the organization.

We are thankful for every one of our members who continue to stand with AIA NJ as we work to support one another and to promote the public’s understanding of Architecture through advocacy, education, and service.

We hope today that each of you will enjoy a peaceful day in the way of your choosing and time to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM AIA NJ

NJ INAUGURAL AND AWARDS GALA

AIA NEW JERSEY
AIA JERSEY SHORE  

NJ INAUGURAL AND AWARDS GALA

 

 

REGISTER/SPONSOR TODAY!

RSVP BY 12/16

(Special Rate Expires 11/23) 

When: Saturday, January 13, 2018

 

Time: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

  (Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing)

 

Where: Clarks Landing, Sampson Road, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Cost: $130.00/person (early bird rate – ends 11/23)

  $150.00/person (regular rate after 11/23)

  $75 associates/students

 

* Black tie optional affair celebrates the distinguished service of our past year’s presidents and their boards of trustees at our gala event.

 

* Presentation of our Service Awards, which highlight the best of our organizations members. These awards include: Distinguished Service Award, Architect of the Year, as well as many others.

 

* Attendance between 130 – 170 attendees. Many of whom are current or past leaders of our two organizations.

 

 

Sponsorship Prospectus Information

 

 

REGISTER / Sponsor Today 

In the 5 Years since Hurricane Sandy, AIA-NJ has Increased their Commitment to Resiliency

 

“AIA-NJ is really a model of how to get it done after a disaster.”

~ Illya Azaraoff, AIA

Contributors: Illya Azaraoff, AIA; Bruce Turner, AIA; Justin Mihalik, AIA and Laurence Parisi, AIA Editor: Stacey Kliesch, AIA

 

In 2012, in the weeks and months following Superstorm Sandy, AIA-NJ’s members were getting back on their feet. Many of them located in areas where the storm hit hardest not only were helping their clients to rebuild their homes, but were also figuring out how to rebuild their own. AIA-NJ architects were aware that the State still did not have a plan in place on how to rebuild, and FEMA was months away from updating base flood elevations. So how were homeowners to rebuild?

To make matters worse, the costs for elevating homes and rebuilding were four and five times the amount of available FEMA grants. It was at this time that AIA-NJ Executive Director Joseph Simonetta knew it was imperative for AIA-NJ to be at the forefront of the recovery and the first step was to meet with the Governor’s Office of Rebuilding and Recovery. Joe organized the meeting at the State House and AIA-NJ presented the issues that homeowners were facing approximately $150,000 in structural remediation per structure. Unbeknownst to AIA-NJ, the Governor’s Office was well underway preparing a report on the damage to real estate, infrastructure, and vital buildings.
The result of the meeting and the work of the Governor’s Office was the Reconstruction,
Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation Program (RREM). The program provides up to
$150,000 in grant funding assistance to eligible homeowners to repair or reconstruct their homes. Our Executive Director was vigilant ensuring that the recommendations of AIA-NJ were incorporated into the RREM program, which enabled thousands of residents to rebuild their homes within the following years.

Another achievement of AIA-NJ has been supporting the passing of the Good Samaritan Bill. Until Superstorm Sandy hit, the pushback from the legal community made passage of this bill impossible. In the wake of Sandy, AIA-NJ did not delay in moving on the legislation as the timing was right. Once again, Joe Simonetta knew this bill would be more impactful if the engineers joined on since they too would be performing building assessments along with the architects. Joe initiated lining up sponsors for the bill, drafting the bill and then coordinating the necessary meetings between AIA-NJ and NJ Professional Society of Engineers for the bill’s final language.
AIA-NJ reached out to the the New Jersey State Bar Association and addressed their concerns in order to pave the way for the bill’s passage. Through our executive director’s invaluable relationships with NJ’s key legislator’s, the bill was passed and signed into law by the Governor in 2013. Since passage, this legislation has become a template for other AIA Components as they work to have Good Samaritan legislation passed in their states.

Read more about the Good Samaritan Bill here.
Around the same time, the AIA-NJ Homeland Security Committee, founded by AIA-NJ

The AIA NJ 2018 Design Award Winners are Announced

2018 Design Awards Winners   Thank you to all the participants in the 2017 Design Competition.  All the submissions were of quality, distinction and worthiness.  Below are this years winners. Built – Commercial, Institutional, Educational or Multi-Family Residential Design HONOR Novartis Visitor Reception Building East Hanover, New Jersey Weiss / Manfredi MERIT Edward P. Evans Academic Center Deerfield, Massachusetts Windigo Architecture & Design MERIT New Jersey Institute of Technology New Jersey Institute of Technology – Central King Building Newark, New Jersey Marvel Architects MERIT Novartis Oncology Building East Hanover, New Jersey Weiss / Manfredi MERIT TREC Training Recreation Education Center Newark, New Jersey Ikon.5 architects Built – Interior Architecture   MERIT Healey Family Student Center | Georgetown University Washington, DC Ikon.5 architects Built – Preservation HONOR Pennovation Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania KSS Design Group MERIT BAYADA Headquarters: Interior Rehabilitation BAYADA Headquarters1 Moorestown, New Jersey Historic Building Architects MERIT Hahne & Company Building Newark, New Jersey Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners Built – Residential Design MERIT Green Street Live/Work Princeton, New Jersey Dowling Studios MERIT Guest Barn Fairfield County, Connecticut Windigo Architecture & Design MERIT LEED Hurricane Recovery House Long Branch, New Jersey Studio PEEK / Ancona Unbuilt Projects HONOR Nexus on the Raritan River New Brunswick, New Jersey Design Resources Group Architects MERIT Concord Hospital Shanghai, China HDR Architects & Engineers MERIT Kolos Data Center Ballangen, Norway HDR Architects & Engineers All of the winners will be recognized at the AIA NJ Annual Awards Dinner on January 13, 2018 at Clarks’s Landing in Point Pleasant, NJ.  Please join us for the celebration.

 

Knowing Sandy

By: Susan P Bristol, AIA, NJ PP, LEED AP                                                               spbarch@gmail.com

SPB Architecture LLC, Rocky Hill, NJ

609.924.7989

Spbarchitecture.com

(Adjunct Professor at NJIT, CoA+D, School of Architecture)

 

 

Architecture, having been consumed by the movement toward sustainability in recent decades, now has a new mandate. Resilience.  In post-Sandy NJ (and NJ River basins since the mid 20th century) the questions have been: How do we control water? How do we defend against other natural forces that can and have wreaked devastation? What are our policies toward construction on sites that have flooded multiple times? How do we build for future disasters to protect expensive infrastructure, architecture and neighborhood investment? What is the role of the architect in mitigating disaster?

Now the big question now is: how do we live with water?

Those of us in the ‘trenches’ of designing, building, planning, engineering and construction have been operating on multiple levels. In my Garden State Studio resilient design course at NJIT in Spring of 2013, I began using the term ‘Un-Building’ just after Sandy to think about treading more lightly on fragile (barrier island) ground, in floodplain redevelopment, in dense neighborhoods and coastal constructions. This does not mean do not build or do not re-build, it means that we need to examine our footprints: our constructed and environmental footprints.  If you think that Un-building is a provocative term for a profession that depends on building, then you are correct. It is meant to alert us to the conflicts embedded in our profession and to make us think.

 

The first thing that people think about resiliency after a storm, is that we need to update the building codes (government) and the second thing is how we meet those codes (property owners, architects, engineers, contractors). As I reminded folks at the 2013 Mayor’s Summit (sponsored by the Center for Resilient Design at NJIT), building codes are a minimum, FEMA codes do not even consider sea level rise, and best practice design must take many other factors into account.  Architects are well positioned to add nuance, insight, resiliency and vision to projects beyond the minimal codes.  However, some of those factors, it turns out, include human fragility and emotions.  Recently, the Nobel prize winner in Economics was announced.  Professor Rickard Thaler’s field is behavioral economics. Architects could learn something by his attention to the human component which is not rational.

 

We cannot assume that experiencing Sandy was a ‘wake-up call’ for everyone.  In fact, the emergency recovery mode pushes some to focus on ‘return to normal’, rebuild as before, make it look like nothing happened.  Our professional inclination is to do it better, do it differently, use design to integrate new codes into our work.  At our best, we

SUPER STORM SANDY- FIVE YEARS AFTER Lessons learned….. or not.

By Laurence E. Parisi, AIA

New Jersey has approximately 141 miles of shore coastline, a substantial amount of land along the Hudson River, and many inland marshy estuaries; a significant amount of these lands in our state are still unsettled and in disrepair from Superstorm Sandy. In retrospect, what have we learned?   On my trips down to the Jersey Shore, I see that many owners of homes, with the financial means, have rebuilt pursuant to FEMA regulations.  Other homes, whose owners may be without the abilities to repair, remain in uncertain condition. Notably, the more affluent communities appear the same as they did pre-Superstorm; as if they were not pressured to raise their homes during reconstruction. It appears as though most of the home raising occurred in moderate-to-middle income areas.  In the more densely populated coastline towns like Atlantic Highlands, the home raising is not a pretty sight.  It has been a slow process as more homeowners have to reconcile with their own circumstances.   For these owners, dealing with governmental restrictions related to home insurance and FEMA regulations have proven to be an arduous task.

 

      

 

My office is on the westerly bank of the Hudson River; around here, it appears that that post-Superstorm coastline construction advisories and warnings are not well heeded.  Shortly after Sandy tore apart the coast along the Hudson River, even up North into New York State, new buildings are being constructed on the river banks. One of these buildings is directly in front of my office on the Hudson.  

On October 29, 2012, when Sandy was approaching New Jersey, I went to my office early in the morning to tape windows and cover all the drawing boards and computer stations.  This was done in an effort to protect these items from water damage, should the roof have been torn off my building (my office is on the top floor).  The water of the Hudson had already risen over the banks and was 400 feet inland (pictured).  We got the full blast of Sandy when the storm made landfall at around 8:00 PM that evening. when she landed.   At my office building, there were over 3 feet of flood water, from the tidal surge, in the ground floor lobby. The 200-bed hospital and nursing home adjacent to my office had to be evacuated and shut down. A major PSE&G electrical sub-station just north of my office was flooded and damaged.

 

Two years after Superstorm Sandy, an outpatient medical facility, ancillary to the hospital, was constructed about 171 feet from the Hudson River coastline; this new building is closer to the Hudson than my office building.  The construction costs had to be a minimum of 15 to 20 million dollars. The soil required a lot of piling. Now, why would anyone build such a critical facility in a location that was inaccessible during, and for days after, Superstorm Sandy? Although the photograph shows a limited amount of raised parking, this building will be largely inaccessible in a similar flood disaster.  

 

In a similar situation, a nearby electrical substation was raised approximately sixty feet above the grade, in order to keep the station at its present location despite the potential for flooding (pictured). Notwithstanding the new raising of the facility, it is still a location vulnerable to flooding and becoming inaccessible.  It seems as though these risks are not adequately being considered.  Additionally, please note the appearance of these buildings that were likely designed by engineers.

          

 

The lesson to be learned from Superstorm Sandy is to carefully design and plan for disaster.  There is a practical common sense approach to these situations.  We must be cognizant of the fact that certain critical need facilities like hospitals, power stations, and the like should not be constructed in areas vulnerable to flooding. Good planning and good design is a must in order to make our communities safe and viable.

All photographs are the property of Laurence Parisi, AIA

 

Author Bio:

Laurence Parisi, AIA is a past president of AIA NJ, past president of the Architects League of Northern New Jersey and current and founding Chairman of the AIA NJ Homeland Security Committee.

Editorial Disclaimer

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the author(s) and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of AIA NJ or any employee thereof. AIA NJ makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.

AIA NJ reserves the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner it sees fit comments that it, in its sole discretion, deems to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, or is otherwise unacceptable.

 

Rowan College Finalizes the “ULTIMATE MODERN CAMPUS”

ROWAN COLLEGE AT BURLINGTON COUNTY FINALIZES THE “ULTIMATE MODERN CAMPUS” WITH THE COMPLETION OF A NEW STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER

A new Student Success Center, designed by USA Architects in collaboration with Moody Nolan, opened in time for the Fall, 2017 semester. The building serves as the gateway and signifies the completion of a newly transformed Mount Laurel Campus of Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC). Acting as the centerpiece to an aggressive master plan, the building allows for a shift of operations and programs. By doing so, the college can better serve students, faculty, and the community and reach its goal of creating the “ultimate modern campus.”

The two-story, 79,500 square foot building supports all student services. Moreover, it features a knowledge commons library, bookstore, fireplace, and twenty-screen media wall in the central lounge, a coffee bar, fresh foodservice with healthy options, dining area, tutor rooms and a test center.

The intention of the design was to create an environment where students would feel welcomed, encouraged to learn outside of the classroom, and build a stronger sense of community among students and faculty. As a result, particular efforts are made by incorporating a mezzanine that takes advantage of natural sunlight and landscape views of the campus; increasing focus and energy within the student. Meanwhile, closed off spaces such as student services offices are located on the first level which allows for immediate wayfinding among new visitors and less distraction for those above. The tone of the space feels cozy and fresh, and it reflects the culture of the student body through its color scheme and modern amenities. The building unifies the student’s overall experience on campus and enhances engagement. Now, longer time can be spent on campus and students will become more active in clubs and organizations.

“This collaborative initiative ignites a new approach and redefines how any college can serve its students better.” states USA Architects CEO, Paul R. Swartz. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this forward-thinking approach that sets the student’s experiences at high priority. ”

5 Year Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy

October 2017 marks the 5 year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.

Since the storm, AIA NJ Members have taken steps to rebuild a more resilient New Jersey and have better educated themselves to protect our communities from future catastrophes.

If you have been a part of the recovery or renewal and would like to share your story or projects, please contact staceykliesch@gmail.com to set up an interview.

Thank you!

The Kids are Back in School, How ‘Bout You?

Jerry Eben, FAIA has been speaking to children about architecture for over 30 years now, estimating that he has reached over 10 thousand children with valuable information about our profession. Recently, he has started teaming up with fellow architect Jose Gennaro, AIA to provide bi-lingual programs, especially in schools with large Spanish speaking/ ESL populations.

Jose made his first presentation about 12 years ago when a teacher friend asked him to present at her Perth Amboy school career day. Many of his early programs were geared toward showing young immigrant students what opportunities for success are attainable, with focus and commitment.

The majority of their partnered sessions are requested in the spring by schools that feature career discussions, but they try and respond to all requests, year-round. They travel most anywhere that they are asked, but most often find themselves in Harrison, Newark, Perth Amboy and the surrounds. If they are not available to attend themselves, will seek out a willing AIA colleague from the school’s local community.

 

Jose likes sharing his trade best with 3rd-5th graders, while Jerry finds 6th-8th grade most rewarding, but they have presented to all ages, K-12! Most presentations are about 20-30 minutes, with renderings, perspectives, blueprints and photographs circulating around the room.

AIA Newark and Suburban has also provided giveaway items, such as pencils, with the section name embossed on the side.

 

The kids especially love to check out traditional drafting tools and hear about the transition from drawing by hand to CAD.

The architects share ideas on the best classes to take in high school to prepare for applying for an architecture degree in college, the basic process of licensure, what a day is like in an architectural firm and other career statistics. They discuss building types and what it’s like to run a project.

But even more important than encouraging kids to become architects, the men seek to enlighten the kids on being aware of the buildings in their own communities, respecting their environments, and understanding the value of good design.

Jerry and Jose are cultivating your next generation of educated clients! 

Jerry always tries to get the kids engaged in building human flying buttresses with two tall children & two small children. When he asks where they have seen this around the neighborhood, he always gets a correct answer from a few: “The church around the corner!” He recommends that everyone “LOOK UP” and see the architecture they interact with every day.

The program is so well received that most schools ask them back year after year.  They have received pictures and thank you notes from the kids.

Jerry recommends the book EXPERIENCING ARCHITECTURE by Steen Eiler Rasmusson and would love to encourage all AIA NJ members to order a few copies from Amazon to offer each school as a leave behind, to extend the lesson beyond their short talk.

Jose suggests the AIA NJ Guidebook to 150 BEST Buildings and Places as a great resource for local kids to find interesting architecture, no matter where they live.

Both encourage YOU to contact your local school and offer to come in and share your profession with the students. Architects are naturals at presenting, and the conversation requires nothing more than your regular, off the cuff, knowledge.

For more resources and recommendations, look for the next installment of “The Kids are Back in School, How ‘Bout You?” in a future AIA NJ article.